Before I went to Morocco, I heard a lot about how dangerous it was for me to take this trip alone and the risks I was taking by going to an Arab country with a very different culture from mine and everything. But that didn't stop me... I went anyway: I needed to see it with my own eyes!
In Casablanca, I did Couchsurfing and the guy who hosted me was very nice, kind, and helpful! The experience couldn't have been better: I stayed in a typical Moroccan house, ate homemade everyday food at his place, met his family, and he took me to a lot of different places. It was amazing!
When I went to Fes, things changed a bit and I experienced firsthand what people told me about harassment - not only sexual harassment but also harassment because they knew I was a tourist and wanted to make money out of anything. But the truth is, I was prepared for it and knew the risks. And although it was annoying and irritating, I managed to stay calm and not feel afraid. The guys wanted to walk beside me, they said they wanted to keep me company, asked if I was lost, tried to approach me ALL THE TIME. But when I sent them away (in a harsh way - because if I was friendly, they thought I was interested), they left!
I had the experience of spending the night in the Sahara Desert, and it was BEAUTIFUL! One of the best moments of my life, no doubt. However, even there, I didn't escape harassment. A Berber (related to the Berbers - a group of nomadic peoples from North Africa) wouldn't leave my side. But it was fine, I managed to have my alone time afterwards, and it was beautiful.
In Marrakesh, I couldn't wait to make friends with a man in the hostel so that I could go out at night (after all, they told me not to go out alone). And I did! I met a really nice Canadian guy who was staying in the same hostel as me, and we went out. It was fun, but he left the next day... And then I didn't make any more friends to have company, so I decided to take the risk and go out alone. I survived! And it wasn’t that bad...
- Thaís, would you go back to Morocco?
You might think that with this experience, my answer would be 'NO,' but the truth is, I would definitely go back! Especially because there were cities I didn't have time to visit and I would like to have that opportunity.
I think what matters is being well-prepared and informed:
- As I mentioned, I knew the risks;
- I carried a scarf with me all the time, in case I needed to use it as a hijab, although I only used it to enter a mosque;
- I only wore loose pants and t-shirts that covered my shoulders, even in the 40°C (104 °F) heat;
- I respected their culture and didn't consider myself a superhero or someone who could do anything. And that made my trip incredible!
Anyway... What I want to say is that we need to experience the moments and see the places with our own eyes. Of course, always trusting your gut feeling and following your instincts; but if it's your desire, go and explore. I couldn't live with the regret of missing out on one of the most beautiful moments of my life.
As I mentioned, I did face some challenges... But nowhere near the picture that many people painted for me. Obviously, each person will have their own experience, and the fact that I didn't suffer anything major doesn't mean it won't happen to anyone else. That's why I emphasize once again: We have to go knowing the risks, even to be able to handle possible situations.
But going to see it with your own eyes made my experience mostly incredible!
